Electronic device and controlling method and program therefor

ABSTRACT

An electronic device includes an input detection unit that detects a contact operation or a proximity operation made by a user; a display unit that includes a first display region displaying a first image showing a position where a first operation is received; and a control unit that changes display mode of the first display region based on a second operation when the input detection unit detects the second operation and that has a second image displayed in a second display region where a third operation is received.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of the priority ofJapanese Patent Application No. 2012-130755 filed on Jun. 8, 2012, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by referencethereto.

The present invention relates to an electronic device and controllingmethod and program therefor, and particularly to an electronic devicecomprising a touch panel and a controlling method and program therefor.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, an electronic device comprising a touch panel often hasa liquid crystal panel and the touch panel integrated. Such anelectronic device often comprises a software keyboard displayed bysoftware. However, depending on its size or position, the softwarekeyboard may interfere with the user's operation.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology that controls the size of asoftware keyboard according to a user's operation.

Patent Literature 2 discloses a technology that displays a softwarekeyboard while dividing the image thereof according to a user'soperation.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature Patent Literature 1

Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. JP2009-122890A

Patent Literature 2

Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. JP2010-134625A

SUMMARY Technical Problem

As described above, a software keyboard may interfere with the user'soperation, depending on its size or position. In particular, with asmall device such as a smartphone, a software keyboard sometimesoccupies one half of the display screen area.

For instance, let's assume a case where a user is performing a moredetailed search based on search results using a Web browser. At thistime, if the area of the software keyboard is large, it may be difficultfor the user to perform an input operation while browsing the searchresults.

Further, for instance, let's assume a case where a user launches a Webbrowser and refers to information regarding the people registered in anaddress book in the middle of his input operation. In this case, theuser first quits the Web browser currently running. Then, he launchesthe address book application. After confirming the information, the userquits the address book application. Then, after launching the Webbrowser again, the user has a software keyboard displayed to enter theinformation. As described, the user must perform a plurality ofoperations when he refers to information included in another applicationwhile using the software keyboard.

The technologies disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2 do not allow auser to refer to information included in another application while usinga software keyboard.

Therefore, an electronic device contributing to facilitating anoperation independent from a software keyboard while the softwarekeyboard is being used, and a controlling method and program thereforare desired.

Solution to Problem

According to a first aspect, there is provided an electronic devicecomprising an input detection unit that detects a contact operation or aproximity operation performed by a user; a display unit that includes afirst display region displaying a first image showing a position where afirst operation is received; and a control unit that changes displaymode of the first display region based on a second operation when theinput detection unit detects the second operation and that has a secondimage displayed in a second display region where a third operation isreceived.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a controlling method foran electronic device comprising a display unit that includes a firstdisplay region, and the controlling method comprises a step of detectinga contact operation or a proximity operation performed by a user; a stepof displaying a first image that shows a position where a firstoperation is received in the first display region; and a control step ofchanging display mode of the first display region based on a secondoperation when the second operation is detected and having a secondimage displayed in a second display region where a third operation isreceived.

Further, the present method is associated with a particular machine,which is an electronic device comprising a display unit.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a program executed by acomputer that controls an electronic device comprising a display unitthat includes a first display region, and the program executes a processof detecting a contact operation or a proximity operation performed by auser; a process of displaying a first image that shows a position wherea first operation is received in the first display region; and a controlprocess of changing display mode of the first display region based on asecond operation when the second operation is detected and having asecond image displayed in a second display region where a thirdoperation is received.

Further, this program can be stored in a computer-readable storagemedium. The storage medium can be a non-transient one such as asemiconductor memory, hard disk, magnetic storage medium, and opticalstorage medium. The present invention can be embodied as a computerprogram product.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to each aspect of the present invention, an electronic devicecontributing to facilitating an operation independent from a softwarekeyboard while the software keyboard is being used, and a controllingmethod and program therefor are provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the overall configuration ofan electronic device 1 relating to a first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of the internal configuration ofthe electronic device 1.

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a display example of a liquid crystal panel20.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are drawings showing display mode examples of a softwarekeyboard.

FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a display example of the liquid crystalpanel 20.

FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a display example of the liquid crystalpanel 20.

FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a display example of the liquid crystalpanel 20.

FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a display example of the liquid crystalpanel 20.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the electronicdevice 1 relating to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are drawings showing display examples of the liquidcrystal panel 20.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are drawings showing display examples of the liquidcrystal panel 20.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation example of an electronicdevice 1 relating to a second exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are drawings showing display examples of the liquidcrystal panel 20.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are drawings showing display examples of the liquidcrystal panel 20.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First, a summary of an exemplary embodiment of the present inventionwill be given using FIG. 1. Note that drawing reference signs in thesummary are given to each element for convenience as examples solely forfacilitating understanding, and the description of the summary is notintended to suggest any limitation.

As described above, when performing an input operation on a softwarekeyboard, a user sometimes refers to information included in anotherapplication. Therefore, an electronic device that enables the user toeasily perform an operation independent from the software keyboard whileusing the software keyboard is desired.

An electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is provided as an example. Theelectronic device 100 comprises an input detection unit 101 that detectsa contact operation or a proximity operation performed by the user; adisplay unit 102 that includes a first display region displaying a firstimage showing a position where a first operation is received; and acontrol unit 103 that changes display mode of the first display regionbased on a second operation when the input detection unit 101 detectsthe second operation and that has a second image displayed in a seconddisplay region where a third operation is received.

The electronic device 100 is capable of receiving operations independentfrom each other for a plurality of display regions. For instance, let'sassume that a software keyboard (the first image) that receives an inputoperation (the first operation) is displayed in the first display regionon the electronic device 100. In this case, while displaying thesoftware keyboard based on one operation (the second operation), theelectronic device 100 is able to display an image that receives anotheroperation (the third operation). At this time, the electronic device 100changes the display mode (the image size, etc.) of the softwarekeyboard. Therefore, the electronic device 100 contributes tofacilitating an operation independent from the software keyboard whilethe software keyboard is being used.

Concrete exemplary embodiments will be described below in more detailwith reference to the drawings.

Exemplary Embodiment 1

A first exemplary embodiment will be described in more detail withreference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the overall configuration ofan electronic device 1 relating to the present exemplary embodiment.

The electronic device 1 is constituted by including a liquid crystalpanel 20 and a touch panel 30. The touch panel 30 is integrated into theliquid crystal panel 20.

Further, the liquid crystal panel 20 may be a different display devicesuch as an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel. There are variouscolor gradations for display devices, but any implementation method maybe used for the electronic device 1 relating to the present exemplaryembodiment.

Further, the touch panel 30 is a touch panel that detects with a sensoron a flat surface a contact operation or a proximity operation performedby the user. There are various touch panel methods such as anelectrostatic capacitance method, but any method can be used. Further,the touch panel 30 is able to detect a plurality of contact points orproximity points simultaneously, i.e., a multi-point input (referred toas “multi-touch” hereinafter).

The electronic device 1 can take any form as long as it comprises thedevice shown in FIG. 2. For instance, a smartphone, portable audiodevice, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), game device, tablet PC(Personal Computer), note PC, and electronic book reader correspond tothe electronic device 1 of the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of the internal configuration ofthe electronic device 1. The electronic device 1 is constituted byincluding a control unit 10, the liquid crystal panel 20, and the touchpanel 30. The control unit 10 includes an input determination unit 11, adisplay region control unit 12, and an image signal generation unit 13.For the sake of simplicity, FIG. 3 only shows modules relevant to theelectronic device 1 relating to the present exemplary embodiment.

The input determination unit 11 determines the detected positions anddetected number of inputs detected by the touch panel 30. Further, theinput determination unit 11 determines the type of a detected inputoperation. The input operation types include single tap operation,double tap operation, etc. In a single tap operation, the user lifts hisfinger off the surface immediately after touching (or getting close to)the surface of the touch panel 30. In a double tap operation, the userperforms single tap operations twice continuously.

The input operation types also include so-called slide operation andflick operation. In a slide operation, the user moves his finger acrossthe touch panel 30 for a predetermined period of time or longer, andlifts the finger after moving it over a predetermined distance or more.In other words, when the touch panel 30 detects an input lasting for apredetermined period of time or longer and moving over a predetermineddistance or more, the input determination unit 11 determines that aslide operation has been performed.

Further, in a flick operation, the user flicks his finger against thesurface of the touch panel 30. In other words, when the touch panel 30detects an input moving less than a predetermined distance within apredetermined period of time, the input determination unit 11 determinesthat a flick operation has been performed.

The display region control unit 12 generates a plurality of displayregions where images are displayed. The image signal generation unit 13generates the image signal of an image related to an application for thegenerated display region. For the sake of simplicity, the generation ofan image signal by the image signal generation unit 13 is described asthe display of an image hereinafter.

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a display example of the liquid crystalpanel 20. In FIG. 4, a Web browser is launched and search results areshown. Further, a software keyboard is displayed to enter characters inFIG. 4.

Here, the software keyboard corresponds to the first image describedabove. Further, a display region displaying the software keyboardcorresponds to the first display region described above. Moreover, anoperation to enter characters on the software keyboard is the firstoperation described above.

First, a process of displaying images of different applications in aplurality of display regions will be described. In the descriptionbelow, the process of displaying images of different applications in aplurality of display regions will be referred to as multi-screendisplay.

When the touch panel 30 detects a predetermined operation (correspondingto the second operation described above) at a predetermined position,the display region control unit 12 changes the size and position of thefirst display region. The second operation is referred to asmulti-screen transition operation hereinafter. More concretely, thedisplay region control unit 12 reduces the first display regionaccording to the multi-screen transition operation. Then, the imagesignal generation unit 13 displays the software keyboard in the reducedfirst display region. Further, the image signal generation unit 13displays an image of a second application in a region (referred to asthe second display region hereinafter) made available due to thereduction of the first display region.

Further, the display region control unit 12 changes the position of thesoftware keyboard according to the direction of the multi-screentransition operation. More concretely, the display region control unit12 moves the first display region in the direction in which the detectedposition of the multi-screen transition operation moved.

Here, if a flick operation is detected as a multi-screen transitionoperation, the display region control unit 12 moves the first displayregion to a position within a predetermined range. Then the image signalgeneration unit 13 displays the software keyboard in the relocated firstdisplay region.

If a slide operation is detected as a multi-screen transition operation,the display region control unit 12 reduces the first display region andmoves it to a position where the detected input position stopped. Thenthe image signal generation unit 13 displays the software keyboard inthe relocated first display region. In other words, the display regioncontrol unit 12 reduces and displays the software keyboard according tothe position where the user stopped his finger after performing a slideoperation.

First, a case where the direction of the multi-screen transitionoperation is the direction of an angle within a predetermined range inrelation to the horizontal or vertical direction will be described. Inthis case, it is preferred that the display region control unit 12reduce and move the first display region so as to be able to put a sideof the first display region against a side of the outer frame of theliquid crystal panel 20 closest to the direction of the multi-screentransition operation. Further, it is preferred that the display regioncontrol unit 12 move the center of the first display region in thedirection of the side of the outer frame of the liquid crystal panel 20closest to the direction of the multi-screen transition operation.

Next, a case where the direction of the multi-screen transitionoperation is a direction with a range exceeding a predetermined angle inrelation to the horizontal and vertical directions will be described. Inthis case, it is preferred that the display region control unit 12reduce and move the first display region so as to be able to fix avertex of the first display region at a vertex of the outer frame of theliquid crystal panel 20 closest to the direction of the multi-screentransition operation. Further, it is preferred that the display regioncontrol unit 12 move the center of the first display region in thedirection of the vertex of the outer frame of the liquid crystal panel20 closest to the direction of the multi-screen transition operation.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example of a display mode of the softwarekeyboard. Points P401 to P404 in FIGS. 5A and 5B represent positionswhere the touch panel 30 detects inputs. First, let's assume that thesoftware keyboard is displayed as shown in FIG. 5A, and the touch panel30 detects an input at the point P401. Then the user performs a slideoperation to the position of the point P402 shown in FIG. 5B and stopshis finger at the position of the point P402. In other words, theposition of the input detected by the touch panel 30 stops at theposition of the point P402. Here, the direction from the point P401 tothe point P402 is assumed to be a direction with a range exceeding apredetermined angle in relation to the horizontal and verticaldirections. Further, the vertex at the lower left corner of the outerframe of the liquid crystal panel 20 is closest to the point P402.Therefore, the display region control unit 12 reduces and moves thefirst display region so as to fix the lower left vertex of the firstdisplay region at the lower left vertex of the outer frame of the liquidcrystal panel 20. Then the image signal generation unit 13 displays thesoftware keyboard in the relocated first display region. In other words,as shown in FIG. 5B, the image signal generation unit 13 displays thesoftware keyboard in the lower left corner of the liquid crystal panel20. Further, although this is not shown in the drawings, the imagesignal generation unit 13 displays an image of a second application inthe display region made available by moving the software keyboard.

Next, a case where the user performs a slide operation in the directionfrom the point P401 to the point P403 will be discussed. Here, thedirection from the point P401 to the point P403 is assumed to be adirection with a range exceeding a predetermined angle in relation tothe horizontal and vertical directions. Further, the vertex at the lowerright corner of the outer frame of the liquid crystal panel 20 isclosest to the point P403. Therefore, the display region control unit 12reduces and moves the first display region so as to fix the lower rightvertex of the first display region at the lower right vertex of theouter frame of the liquid crystal panel 20. Then the image signalgeneration unit 13 displays the software keyboard in the relocated firstdisplay region. In other words, the image signal generation unit 13displays the software keyboard in the lower right corner of the liquidcrystal panel 20.

Further, a case where the user performs a slide operation in thedirection from the point P401 to the point P404 will be discussed. Here,the direction from the point P401 to the point P404 is assumed to be thedirection of an angle within a predetermined range in relation to thevertical direction. Further, the upper side of the outer frame of theliquid crystal panel 20 is a side closest to the direction from thepoint P401 to the point P404. Therefore, the display region control unit12 reduces and moves the first display region so as to put the upperside of the first display region against the upper side of the outerframe of the liquid crystal panel 20. Then the image signal generationunit 13 displays the software keyboard in the relocated first displayregion. In other words, the image signal generation unit 13 displays thesoftware keyboard in the upper area of the liquid crystal panel 20.

FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example in which a screen that displaysicons and menus for running applications (referred to as the home screenhereinafter) and the software keyboard are displayed. In FIG. 6, theimage signal generation unit 13 displays the software keyboard with itssize reduced in the upper area of the liquid crystal panel 20. Here, theregion made available by reducing the software keyboard is a seconddisplay region 202. In FIG. 6, the image signal generation unit 13displays the home screen in the second display region 202.

As described, the electronic device 1 relating to the present exemplaryembodiment is able to display a second application such as an addressbook application while having a first application such as a Web browserdisplayed.

FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an example in which different applicationsare displayed in a plurality of display regions. In FIG. 7, the softwarekeyboard is reduced and displayed in a first display region 201.Further, an address book application is displayed in the second displayregion 202 in FIG. 7.

The display region control unit 12 may switch the display modes of thefirst and second display regions. More concretely, according to apredetermined operation, the display region control unit 12 may enlargethe reduced first display region and reduce the second display region.Here, it is preferred that the predetermined operation that switches thedisplay modes be a simple and easy operation such as a double tapoperation.

FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example in which the display modes areswitched. In FIG. 8, the display of the software keyboard is enlargedand displayed in the first display region 201. Further, the address bookapplication is reduced and displayed in the second display region 202.

The image signal generation unit 13 may have a third applicationdisplayed while displaying the images of two different applications.More concretely, when detecting a fourth operation in the second displayregion, the display region control unit 12 reduces and moves the seconddisplay region. It is preferred that the fourth operation be a simpleand easy operation such as a double tap or flick operation. The imagesignal generation unit 13 displays the image of the third application ina region (a third region) made available by reducing the second displayregion. As described, the electronic device 1 relating to the presentexemplary embodiment does not limit the number of applications displayedsimultaneously.

FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an example in which the image of the thirdapplication is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 20. In FIG. 9, thesoftware keyboard is displayed in the first display region 201. Further,the address book application is displayed in the second display region202. Then, an email application is displayed in a third display region203.

Next, a process of canceling a multi-screen display will be described.

It is preferred that an operation to cancel a multi-screen display besimply and easy. For instance, the input determination unit 11 maydetermine whether or not to cancel a multi-screen display depending onthe presence of an input in the first display region. In other words,when the touch panel 30 continues to detect inputs in the first displayregion, the image signal generation unit 13 displays images in the firstand second display regions. Then the control unit 10 executes processingon the second display region according to an operation thereon.

Here, as described above, the touch panel 30 detects a multi-touch. Inother words, the touch panel 30 is able to detect inputs on the firstand second display regions simultaneously. Therefore, the user canperform an operation on the second display region while contacting(being close to) the first display region.

Then, when the touch panel 30 stops detecting any input in the firstdisplay region, the display region control unit 12 stops displaying thesecond display region. Further, when the touch panel 30 stops detectingany input in the first display region, the display region control unit12 enlarges the display of the first display region. In other words,when the user lifts his fingers that were in contact with (close to) thefirst display region, the display of the first display region isenlarged. At this time, the size of the first display region may bereturned to the original one before the reduction. In the descriptionbelow, the operation to hide the second display region and enlarge thedisplay of the first display region is referred to as multi-screencancellation operation.

Next, the operation of the electronic device 1 relating to the presentexemplary embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the electronicdevice 1 relating to the present exemplary embodiment.

In step S1, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the softwarekeyboard is displayed. When the software keyboard is displayed (Yes inthe step S1), the process proceeds to step S2. When the softwarekeyboard is not displayed (No in the step S1), the process returns tothe step S1 and the processing is continued.

In the step S2, the input determination unit 11 determines whether ornot the touch panel 30 detects a multi-screen transition operation. Whena multi-screen transition operation is detected (Yes in the step S2),the process proceeds to step S3. When no multi-screen transitionoperation is detected (No in the step S2), the process returns to thestep S2 and the processing is continued.

In step S3, the display region control unit 12 reduces and moves thefirst display region according to the direction in which the detectedposition of the multi-screen transition operation changed and to thedistance of the change. More concretely, the display region control unit12 may reduce the first display region so as to put it against the outerframe of the liquid crystal panel 20. Or the display region control unit12 may reduce the first display region while fixing a vertex (corner)thereof. In this case, it is preferred that the display region controlunit 12 fix a vertex out of those of the first display region closest tothe direction in which the detected position of the multi-screentransition operation changed. Further, it is preferred that the displayregion control unit 12 move the center of the first display region whenreducing it.

In step S4, the image signal generation unit 13 displays the home screenin the second display region.

In step S5, the input determination unit 11 determines whether or notthe input of the multi-screen transition operation is continuouslydetected. When the input is continuously detected (Yes in the step S5),the process proceeds to step S6. When the input is not detected (No inthe step S5), the process proceeds to step S7.

In the step S6, the input determination unit 11 determines whether ornot the touch panel 30 detects any input in the second display region.When an input is detected in the second display region (Yes in the stepS6), the process proceeds to step S8. When no input is detected in thesecond display region (No in the step S6), the process returns to thestep S5 and the processing is continued.

In the step S7, the second display region is reduced or hidden, and thefirst display region is enlarged. The first display region may berestored to its original size and returned to its original positionbefore the reduction.

In the step S8, the control unit 10 performs processing such aslaunching a second application according to the input detected in thesecond display region. The process returns to the step S5 and theprocessing is continued.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are drawings showing display examples of the seconddisplay region. First, in FIG. 11A, the software keyboard is displayedin the first display region 201. Further, the first display region 201occupies the entire screen of the liquid crystal panel 20 in FIG. 11A.Let's assume that the touch panel 30 has detected an input at theposition of a point P411 in the state of FIG. 11A and then the detectedposition has moved in the direction of an arrow D1. In other words, theuser has performed a flick or slide operation from the point P411 in thedirection of the arrow D1.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 11B, the display region control unit 12reduces the first display region 201. Then the image signal generationunit 13 reduces and displays the software keyboard in the reduced firstdisplay region 201. Here, when the touch panel 30 detects a slideoperation, a point P412 denotes the position where the movement of thedetected position has stopped. When the touch panel 30 detects a flickoperation, P412 is the position where the touch panel 30 has detected aninput within the first display region within a predetermined period oftime after the flick operation. Then the image signal generation unit 13displays the image of a second application in the second display region202. In FIG. 11B, the image signal generation unit 13 displays the homescreen in the second display region 202.

Here, let's assume that the touch panel 30 continuously detects theinput in the first display region 201. In other words, the user's fingeris touching (close to) the position of the point P412. In this case, thecontrol unit 10 performs processing according to an input on the seconddisplay region. For instance, let's assume that the touch panel detectsan input at the position of an icon 501 (the position of a point P413)in the second display region in FIG. 11B. In this case, the control unit10 performs processing according to the input on the icon 501.

For instance, let's assume that the touch panel 30 detects a tapoperation on an icon that launches an application in the second displayregion 202. In this case, the image signal generation unit 13 displaysthe image of the selected application in the second display region 202.Further, at this time, the image signal generation unit 13 continues todisplay the image in the first display region 201.

[Modification 1]

As modification 1 of the electronic device 1 relating to the firstexemplary embodiment, the input determination unit 11 may disable themulti-screen cancellation operation for a predetermined period of timeafter a multi-screen transition operation. For instance, there is apossibility that the user lifts his finger from the first display regionon the touch panel 30 immediately after he performs a slide operation asa multi-screen transition operation. In this case, despite themulti-screen transition operation performed by the user, the displayimmediately returns to the state in which the first display region isenlarged. Therefore, it is preferred that the display region controlunit 12 should not enlarge the first display region for a predeterminedperiod of time after reducing the first display region. As a result, theuser can change the finger for touching (getting close to) the firstdisplay region for a predetermined period of time after the firstdisplay region is reduced. For instance, let's say that he performed amulti-screen transition operation with his right index finger. The useris able to change the finger for touching (getting close to) the firstdisplay region to his left thumb for a predetermined period of time.

As described, the electronic device 1 relating to the present exemplaryembodiment is able to display images of a plurality of applicationssimultaneously. Further, with the electronic device 1 relating to thepresent exemplary embodiment, while the software keyboard is being used,an operation on another application can be performed. Therefore, withthe electronic device 1 relating to the present exemplary embodiment, anoperation independent from the software keyboard can be easily performedwhile the software keyboard is being used.

Exemplary Embodiment 2

Next, a second exemplary embodiment will be described in detail usingthe drawings.

An electronic device 1 relating to the present exemplary embodimentchanges the size and position of a software keyboard without displayinga plurality of applications. Note that the description that overlapswith the first exemplary embodiment will be omitted in the descriptionof the present exemplary embodiment. Further, the same signs are givento the elements same as those in the first exemplary embodiment and theexplanation thereof will be omitted in the description of the presentexemplary embodiment.

When the touch panel 30 detects a multi-screen transition operation at apredetermined position, the image signal generation unit 13 changes theposition of the software keyboard. In the electronic device 1 relatingto the present exemplary embodiment, a region in which the softwarekeyboard is displayed is the first display region. Further, in theelectronic device 1 relating to the present exemplary embodiment, aregion excluding the software keyboard is the second display region.Note that the description of the operation to restore the display modesof the first and second display regions (corresponding to themulti-screen cancellation operation) will be omitted since it is thesame as that of the electronic device 1 relating to the first exemplaryembodiment.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are drawings showing display examples of the liquidcrystal panel 20. FIG. 12B shows an example in which the softwarekeyboard is moved down from a state shown in FIG. 12A. As shown in FIGS.12A and 12B, the electronic device 1 relating to the present exemplaryembodiment lowers the position of the software keyboard. As a result,the second display region 212 is enlarged due to the fact that the firstdisplay region 211 is reduced.

For instance, when the user enters characters into a Web browser, he maywant to confirm search results in the middle of entering characters. Inthis case, the electronic device 1 relating to the present exemplaryembodiment is able to move the display of the software keyboard andenlarge the display region of search results based on a simple and easyoperation.

Next, the operation of the electronic device 1 relating to the presentexemplary embodiment will be described.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the electronicdevice 1 relating to the present exemplary embodiment. Note that stepsS11 and S12 are the same as the steps S1 and S2, respectively, and theexplanation will be omitted.

In step S13, the display region control unit 12 moves the first displayregion in the direction in which the detected position of a multi-screentransition operation moved. In an example of FIG. 13, the softwarekeyboard is displayed as if a part thereof goes off the screen with onlythe remaining part displayed.

In step S14, the input determination unit 11 determines whether or notthe touch panel 30 continuously detects the input of the multi-screentransition operation. When the input is continuously detected (Yes inthe step S14), the process proceeds to step S15. When the input is notdetected (No in the step S14), the process proceeds to step S17.

In the step S15, the input determination unit 11 determines whether ornot the touch panel 30 detects any input in the second display region.When an input is detected in the second display region (Yes in the stepS15), the process proceeds to step S16. When no input is detected in thesecond display region (No in the step S15), the process returns to thestep S14 and the processing is continued.

In the step S16, the control unit 10 performs processing according tothe input detected in the second display region. Then the processreturns to the step S14 and the processing is continued.

In the step S17, the control unit 10 enlarges the first display region.In this case, the first display region may be restored to its originalsize and the software keyboard may be returned to its original position.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are drawings showing an example of how the displaymode of the software keyboard changes. In FIG. 14A, a Web browser isdisplayed on the liquid crystal panel 20 as a first application.Further, the software keyboard is displayed on the liquid crystal panel20 in FIG. 14A. Here, let's assume that the touch panel 30 detects aninput (detects a multi-screen transition operation) at the position of apredetermined point P421 of the software keyboard and the detectedposition of the multi-screen transition operation moves in the directionof an arrow D2. In this case, the display region control unit 12 reducesthe first display region in the direction of the arrow D2 as shown inFIG. 14B. Then the image signal generation unit 13 moves the softwarekeyboard to the first display region and displays it therein.

Further, when the touch panel 30 continues to detect the input at theposition of the point P421 as shown in FIG. 14B, the control unit 10performs processing according to an input at a point P422. For instance,the control unit executes processing such as scrolling the Web browserscreen, selecting a region, etc. according to the input at the pointP422.

As described, the electronic device 1 relating to the present exemplaryembodiment changes the position of the software keyboard. As a result,the electronic device 1 relating to the present exemplary embodiment isable to perform an operation independent from the software keyboardwhile the software keyboard is being used by an application.

Exemplary Embodiment 3

Next, a third exemplary embodiment will be described in detail using thedrawings.

In the third exemplary embodiment, the software keyboard is reduced anddisplayed near a position where the touch panel has detected an input.Note that the description that overlaps with the first exemplaryembodiment will be omitted in the description of the present exemplaryembodiment. Further, the same signs are given to the elements same asthose in the first exemplary embodiment and the explanation thereof willbe omitted in the description of the present exemplary embodiment.

When the touch panel 30 detects an input, the image signal generationunit 13 reduces the software keyboard and displays it near the positionwhere the input is detected. More concretely, the image signalgeneration unit 13 reduces the software keyboard and displays it withina predetermined range based on the position where a multi-screentransition operation has been detected. In other words, the displayregion control unit 12 changes the display mode of a display regionbased on a contact (proximity) operation at one place.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are drawings showing display examples of the liquidcrystal panel 20. In FIG. 15A, first and second display regions 221 and222 are displayed on the screen. In the first display region 221, areduced software keyboard is displayed. The second display region 222displays the home screen.

Let's assume that the touch panel 30 detects an input at the position ofa point P431 in FIG. 15A. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15B, thedisplay region control unit 12 reduces the first display region andmoves it to a position near the point P431. In FIG. 15B, the moved firstdisplay region is referred to as a first region 223. Further, in FIG.15B, the point P431 becomes the center of the software keyboard and thesoftware keyboard is reduced to a size that does not go off the screenof the liquid crystal panel, but the present exemplary embodiment is notlimited thereto. Then the image signal generation unit 13 displays thesoftware keyboard in the first display region 223. At this time, thedisplay region control unit 12 further reduces the first display regionfrom the state of the first display region 221 shown in FIG. 15A. Thenthe display region control unit 12 enlarges the size of the seconddisplay region.

In other words, in the case of FIGS. 15A and 15B, the image signalgeneration unit 13 enlarges the display of the home screen. Further,when the touch panel 30 stops detecting any input at the point P431, thedisplay region control unit 12 returns the display mode of the displayregions to the state shown in FIG. 15A.

As described, the electronic device 1 relating to the present exemplaryembodiment reduces the software keyboard and displays it near theposition where the touch panel has detected an input. Therefore, in theelectronic device 1 relating to the present exemplary embodiment, thedisplay regions of the home screen and an application launched byselecting the icon thereof on the home screen will be larger. As aresult, the electronic device 1 relating to the present exemplaryembodiment facilitates the user to operate a running application,offering even more user-friendliness.

Further, the cases where a software keyboard is displayed have beendescribed in the exemplary embodiments above, however, a plurality ofdisplay regions that receive independent operations may be displayed ina state in which no software keyboard is displayed. In this case, thedisplay mode of each display region can be also changed based on an easyand simple operation.

Finally, preferred modes will be summarized.

(Mode 1)

As the electronic device relating to the first aspect.

(Mode 2)

The electronic device, wherein the control unit reduces a size of thefirst display region based on the second operation.

(Mode 3)

The electronic device, wherein the second display region includes aregion made blank due to the fact that the first display region isreduced.

(Mode 4)

The electronic device, wherein the control unit changes position of thefirst display region based on the second operation.

(Mode 5)

The electronic device, wherein the control unit changes the second imageto an image corresponding to an application when the application is runbased on the third operation.

(Mode 6)

The electronic device, wherein the control unit has the second imagedisplayed in the second display region when the input detection unitdetects a predetermined operation in the first display region afterdetecting the second operation.

(Mode 7)

The electronic device, wherein the control unit reduces the firstdisplay region within a predetermined range according to a detectedposition of the predetermined operation.

(Mode 8)

The electronic device, wherein the first image is an image representinga software keyboard that receives the first operation.

(Mode 9)

As the controlling method for an electronic device relating to thesecond aspect.

(Mode 10)

The controlling method for an electronic device comprising a step ofreducing a size of the first display region based on the secondoperation and a step of changing position of the first display regionbased on the second operation in the control step.

(Mode 11)

The controlling method for an electronic device comprising a step ofexecuting an application based on the third operation and a step ofchanging the second image to an image corresponding to the applicationwhen the application is executed in the control step.

(Mode 12)

The controlling method for an electronic device, wherein, in the inputdetermination step, a predetermined operation is detected in the firstdisplay region after the second operation is detected, and the controlstep includes a step of having the second image displayed in the seconddisplay region when the predetermined operation has been detected.

(Mode 13)

As the program relating to the third aspect.

(Mode 14)

The program executing a process of reducing a size of the first displayregion based on the second operation and a process of changing positionof the first display region based on the second operation in the controlprocess.

(Mode 15)

The program executing a process of running an application and a processof changing the second image to an image corresponding to theapplication when the application is run based on the third operation inthe control process.

(Mode 16)

The program detecting a predetermined operation in the first displayregion after detecting the second operation in the input detectionprocess and executing a process of having the second image displayed inthe second display region in the control process when the predeterminedoperation has been detected.

It should be noted that other objects, features and aspects of thepresent invention will become apparent in the entire disclosure and thatmodifications may be done without departing the gist and scope of thepresent invention as disclosed herein and claimed as appended herewith.Also it should be noted that any combination of the disclosed and/orclaimed elements, matters and/or items may fall under the modificationsaforementioned. The ranges of the numerical values used in the presentdescription should be interpreted as a specific numeric value or smallrange included in the ranges even in cases where it is not stated so.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1, 100: electronic device-   10, 103: control unit-   11: input determination unit-   12: display region control unit-   13: image signal generation unit-   20: liquid crystal panel-   30: touch panel-   101: input detection unit-   102: display unit-   201, 211, 221, 223: first display region-   202, 212, 222: second display region-   203: third display region-   501: icon

1. An electronic device comprising: an input detection unit that detectsa contact operation or a proximity operation performed by a user; adisplay unit that includes a first display region displaying a firstimage showing a position where a first operation is received; and acontrol unit that changes display mode of the first display region basedon a second operation when the input detection unit detects the secondoperation and that has a second image displayed in a second displayregion where a third operation is received.
 2. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the control unit reduces a size of thefirst display region based on of the second operation.
 3. The electronicdevice according to claim 2, wherein the second display region includesa region made blank due to the fact that the first display region isreduced.
 4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein thecontrol unit changes position of the first display region based on thesecond operation.
 5. The electronic device according to claim 1, whereinthe control unit changes the second image to an image corresponding toan application when the application is run based on the third operation.6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control unithas the second image displayed in the second display region when theinput detection unit detects a predetermined operation in the firstdisplay region after detecting the second operation.
 7. The electronicdevice according to claim 6, wherein the control unit reduces the firstdisplay region within a predetermined range according to a detectedposition of the predetermined operation.
 8. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the first image is an image representing asoftware keyboard that receives the first operation.
 9. A controllingmethod for an electronic device comprising a display unit that includesa first display region, the controlling method comprising: detecting acontact operation or a proximity operation performed by a user;displaying a first image that shows a position where a first operationis received in the first display region; and changing display mode ofthe first display region based on a second operation when the secondoperation is detected and having a second image displayed in a seconddisplay region where a third operation is received.
 10. The controllingmethod for an electronic device according to claim 9 comprising reducinga size of the first display region based on the second operation andchanging position of the first display region based on the secondoperation when the first image is displayed in the first display region.11. The controlling method for an electronic device according to claim 9comprising executing an application based on the third operation andchanging the second image to an image corresponding to the applicationwhen the application is executed displaying the first image in the firstdisplay region.
 12. The controlling method for an electronic deviceaccording to claim 9, wherein when a contact operation or a proximityoperation performed by a user is detected, a predetermined operation isdetected in the first display region after the second operation isdetected, and having the second image displayed in the second displayregion when the predetermined operation has been detected.
 13. Anon-transient computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon aprogram executed by a computer that controls an electronic devicecomprising a display unit that includes a first display region, whereinthe program executes: detecting a contact operation or a proximityoperation performed by a user; displaying a first image that shows aposition where a first operation is received in the first displayregion; and changing display mode of the first display region based on asecond operation when the second operation is detected and having asecond image displayed in a second display region where a thirdoperation is received.
 14. The medium according to claim 13 wherein theprogram executes reducing a size of the first display region based onthe second operation and changing the position of the first displayregion based on the second operation when the first image is displayedin the first display region.
 15. The medium according to claim 13wherein the program executes running an application and changing thesecond image to an image corresponding to the application when theapplication is run based on the third operation displaying the firstimage in the first display region.
 16. The medium according to claim 13wherein the program executes detecting a predetermined operation in thefirst display region after detecting the second operation when a contactoperation or a proximity operation performed by a user is detected andhaving the second image displayed in the second display region when thepredetermined operation has been detected.
 17. The electronic deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the control unit changes position of thefirst display region based on the second operation.
 18. The electronicdevice according to claim 3, wherein the control unit changes positionof the first display region based on the second operation.
 19. Theelectronic device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit changesthe second image to an image corresponding to an application when theapplication is run based on the third operation.
 20. The electronicdevice according to claim 3, wherein the control unit changes the secondimage to an image corresponding to an application when the applicationis run based on the third operation.